Written question asked by Damien Moore (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 2024. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cockles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the sustainability of the cockle fisheries sector.

Answer: A public consultation on a draft Cockle Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) will be launched shortly. FMPs are evidence-based plans that take an eco-system based approach to fisheries management and provide sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. Cockles have been prioritised for an FMP in recognition of their vulnerability to over-exploitation, the economic value of the fishery (currently estimated at an annual value of £10.3 million), and the environmental benefits that cockle stocks bring to habitat health and wider biodiversity. The draft FMP will propose goals and actions for cockle fisheries in English waters to improve the stock and provide social and economic benefits to fishing communities.

Secondary information